Flying-machine.



M. G. ADAMS. FLYING MACHINE. APPLICATION rmm 16.7, mos.

Patented Apr. 6, 1909. 3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

INVENTOI? falcoim G. fidama W/TNE SSE S ATTORNEYS M. G. ADAMS. FLYINGMACHINE.

APPLIOATIOH rmm AUG. 7, 190a.

' Patented Apr. 6, 1909.

WITNESSES ii. A.

l' I Imam. u a

M. G. ADAMS.

. FLYING MACHINE.

APPLIOATIOI FILED AUG. 7, 1908. 91 7,5 1 3. Patented Apr. 6, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

- [TI/8858 nwslvron' I .vllazafalmlfldama A TTOHNEYQ M 4 By MALCGLMGROVER ADAMS, OF PARSONS, KANSAS.

FLYING-MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 6, 1909.

Application filed August 'lfiooa. Serial No. 441,400.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I MALCOLM G. Aoans, a citizen of the United tates, anda resident of Parsons, in the county of Labette and State of Kansas,have invented a new and Improved Flying-Machine, of which the followingis a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to flying machines,

and more particularly to an aeroplane orj hem'ler-than-air flyingmachme,wh1ch comprises a plurality of superposed planes, preferably twom number whic one is movable relatively to the lower one, so

that the fore and aft inclination of the upper one can be altered atwill by the operator,

and so that further, the up ier plane can be twisted to alter theinclination of one end or the other to increase the lift or headresistance at the corresponding end of the machine to-enable it to turnwhile flying, the machine having vanes tending to prevent skidding orlateral slipping when making a turn, and having the planes so curvedthat the machine will automatically tend to maintain its equilibrium,and substantially horizontal position when turning.

An object of theinvention is to provide a simple, inexpensive andeilicient heavierthan-air flyin machine which can be driven by anysmtalile form of motor, which can be maneuvered readily while in theair, and which is at all times under the control of the operator.

A further object of the invention is to revide a machine of the classdescribet in which the controlling of the machine is effected by themovements of one or more of the upper planes, which are freelyadjustable relatively to the lower plane, and which can be tilted and atthe same time can be moved bodily forward with respect to the lowerplane.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a machine of theclass described comprising a plurality of supe osed planes which arerelatively movable wi h res eat to one another. and one of which can 0adj acted" to alter the head resistance as well as to alter the lift, inwhich the planes are concave, and in which they are provided withsubstantially vertical vanes at the ends to minimize side slip orskidding when the macliinef'isTmakingatu'i'n. L 'ziiiothcr'object of theinvention" is to-prol the upper vide a heavier-than-air flyingmachinewhich i has a suitable running gear, and in which the l flight ofthe machine is controlled by the f movements of the planes relative toone ani other, the operator controlling the movable planes by means ofsuitable mechanism, the operator further, assisting in balancing themachine, by moving his body forward or backward, or laterally, as thecase may be.

'1 he invention consists in thc'construetion and combination of theparts to be more fully described hereinafter and particularly set iforth in the claims.

Refcrence is to be had to the accompany- Q ing drawings forming a partof this specificatron, in which similar characters of reference Iindicate corresponding parts in all the views, and in which- Figure 1 isa perspective view showing an I embodiment of my invention; Fig. 2 is anI end elevation of the flying machine; Fig. 3 is I it diagrammatic endelevation showing the f planes in certain relative positions; Fig. 4 isa view similar to Fig. 3, showing the planes in other relativepositions; Fig. 5 is a perspective diagrammatic view of the form of theinvention shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic, perspective viewshowin a modified form of the invention; Fig. 7 1s a diagrammatic endelevation showin a further modified form of the invention; l ig. 8 is asimilar view showin a still further modified form of the fi ing mac iineFig. 9 is a diagrammatic, end e evation showing another modified form ofthe invention; and Fig. 10 is 0 similar view showing still anothermodified form of the device.

planation of my invention it should be clearly understood that while Ihave shown in the accompanying drawings, various types of flyingmachines each of which comprises two superposed planes, I can alsoemploy a greater number of super osed planes if so desired. In the formof tie device shown, the upper plane is movable relatively to the lowerplane and the control in flight, of the machine, is effected by themovements and adjustments of the upper plane. In I i 1 l have shown oneem odiment of the lying machine in which the upper lane comprises twosections which are move as relativel to the'lo'we'r plane and to eachother. In Fig. 6 is shown a form in which the upper plane Beforeproceeding to a more detailed excomprises a single section and in whichthis sectlon can be twisted so that its p osite ends are movablerelatively to one anot 191 as are the separate sections of the upperplane shown in rig. 1. In effect, the result is the same and the headresistance and lift can be altered at one end of the machine or theother, as desired, by the operator. 1 refer to arrange the upper planeupon ink uprights or supports wlnch permit the upper plane to be movedforward or backward bodily with respect to the lower plane. The forwardor backward bodily movements of the upper plane at the same time causeit to tilt, owing to the provision of the link upri hts. In this way,the head resistance of the upper of the entire mac nne is varied. At thesame time, one end can be tilted one way or the other to vary the headresistance on the corresponding end, to cause the machine to turn aswill appear more clearly hereinafter.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, I )rovide a lower plane Aand an upper plane The plane A comprises transverse members 11 and 11'and end members 12 connecting the extremities of the transverse framemembers. Intermediate the end frame members 12 are other longitudinalframe members 13 and 14. The frame members mav consist of any suitablematerial such as light metal tubing, bamboo, wood or the like, and maybe secured to other in any convenient manner, for examp e, by bindingtightl with stron wire, or by providing specia sockets or )rackets forthe purpose. The surface of the plane consists of a covering of lightsheet metal, fabric or any other suitable material which maybe securedto the frame members in any convenient manner. The longitudinal framemembers 14 are spaced apart and the space therebetween is not coveredwith the surface 15 but is left open so that a supporting bar 16 can bearranged therebetween. The +atter has thcends secured to the transversenembers 11 and carries a suitable seat 17 upon which the operator mayassume his position. The lower plane is strengthened y diagonal andother braces or guys 18 extending across the plane and secured at theends or intersections of the frame members. The braces consist referablyof strong wires or the like. Shou der straps -19 are secured to the suporting bar 16 so that the operator can part y support the wei ht of themachine before starting the flight. A foot rest 20 is fastenedat thefront transverse frame member and consists'of a cross bar 21 secured atthe lower ends of hangers 22 depending from the front transversemember1 1. The footZrest'isstrengthened with diagonal wire bracesygfigand issecured to the longitudinal frame er'nbers lgtby means of the members 24liens, and consequently,

The longitudinal frame members 13 have bifurcated supports 25 slidablymounted in opening; thereof. Helical springs 26 are mounted upon theshanks 27 of the supports and engage at the crowns and the fore and aftframe members 13. Supporting wheels 28 which may be of any suitable formare mounted between the sides of the forks and serve to permit theflying machine to be run alon the ground. Forks 29 have the shan spivotally secured to the members 13 and further have the extremities oftheir sides en aging at the hubs of the wheels 28. The for s 29 serve tobrace the wheels, while permitting the same to move toward the lowerplane. The springs 27 absorb the shocks and jars incident to moving themachine over rough ground or roads.

In the form shown in Fig. 1, the upper pglane B comprises separatesections B and each of which has transverse members 30 and 30, endmembers 31 and longitudinal members 32. The frame members of the upperplane are covered with a fabric or other surface 33 and have diagonalbracin guys or wires 34. The latter include heliciil or other springsections 35 which, while tendin to maintain the plane sections in normapositions, permit the same to alter their forms under the adjustment towhich they are subject. The upper plane sections are supported upon thelower plane by link uprights 36 which consist of rods of suitablematerial having the upper and lower ends pivoted respectively to the endframe memers or the longitudinal frame members of the plane. The linkuprights are preferably pivoted at their lower ends at the extremitiesof the frame members of the lower plane and at their upper endintermediate the extremities of the frame members of the up er planesections, as appears most clearly in ig. 2. Consequently the linkuprights are normally inclined toward each other. It will be understoodthat this construction permits the upper plane or the upper planesections to be moved freely relative to the lower plane, that is to bemoved freely backward and forward. 0 in to the provision of the linkuprights, the ackward or forward movement at the same time tilts the orplane and thus alters the fore and aft p .inc lination and the headresistance of the upper plane. The link uprights are held againstlateral movement by braces or eye 5 consisting of wires or the like andinc uding springs 53 which permit the braces to a ust themselvessligitly to strains. The braces 52 are in the same planes as the linkuprights and permit the same to swing freel in a fore and aft directionwhile holding t em securely against lateral movement.

" A controlling bar 37 is arranged transversely of.the supporting bar 16and has the ends secured by means of rods 38 to the upper plane sectionsB and B. If a sin le upper plane is employed the ends of t e controllingbar are connected to the upper lane near the respective ends of thesame. ach end of the controlling bar has the rods 38 runningrespectively to the front and the. back of the upper plane. B means ofthe bar which is located conveniently close to the operators seat 17,the upper plane or plane sections can be easily controlled; that is canbe moved backward or forward and tilted as desired.

Strong helical or other springs 39 are secured to certain of the linkuprights 36 and the upper plane or plane sections adjacent to others ofthe link uprights. This arrangement tends to hold the upper plane in anormal position with respect to the lower plane and any adiustmeiit ofthe upper plane can be made against the tension of the springs 39.

Upon the lower plane is arranged a frame work which consists of a topframe member 40 supported on inclined struts 41, running from the endsof the longitudinal frame members of the lower plane. The cross sectionof this frame-work is substantially triangular and cross bars 42 connectthe struts 41 near the lower ends. Triangular vanes or surfaces 43 arestretched upon the struts 41 and the cross bars 42. Those vanes tend tosteady the machine in the air and as they are substantially vertical,act to prevent slip or skidding when the machine is making a turn. Theframe iii-strengthened by suitable braces 42' including the springs 43'which allow for slight movements and adjustments of the frame members.

At the ends of the up er and lower planes are downwardly extentingbposts 44 braced by means of inclined mom era 45. Bottom members 46connect the lower ends of the posts 44 and have the rear ends upwardlycurved to the end frame members of the planes. Vanes, or surfaces 47 offabric or other suitable material are stretched over the posts and thebottom members and form end vanes or win which tend to prevent sideslipping or skidding when the machine is turning.

At the rear of the lower plane preferably upon the longitudinal members14 is arranged a supportin frame work 48 which carries a'motor 49 0 anysuitable type." The shaft 50 01 the motor extends rearwardly from thesameand carries thedriving proeller 51. The latt r may be of anypreerred or icommontype.

'It'will be understood that ive details g'ehown for example, herewith,catibe altered in accordance with individual preference and {s ecialconditions, without departing from t e un derlying spirit of theinvention; Fui'th'ermore, any suitable "niai jthe mode of the constructstrengthening, bracing, or attaching the parts can be varied asnecessary.

It. should be noted that the planes are concave, and I prefer that thisshould be the case, as there is a tendency with this form, for that sideof the machine to rise which is at the inside of the turn when themachine is traveling on a curve. This action is due to the fact that thelateral or sidemovemcnt of the machine--that is, the slipping orskidding-is caused by centrifugal action, and that the portions of theplanes nearer to the direction of the turning have greater inclinationto the actual line of motion than do the sides farther from it.Consequently, the side nearer tends to rise, as the inclination of theplanes of course, controls the upward or downward movement of themachine. Furthermore, the provision of the vertical vanes at the ends ofthe planes assists in the control of the machine, as the vane fartherfrom the direction of turning will hold the air under it, while theother one will shield a iortion of the plane and thus decrease the lifton that side, in opposition to the increased lift at the other end.These actions are of advantage, as the machine tends to lose its balanceand lean to one side or the other in making a turn.

In the form of the machine shown in Fig. 6, the upper plane B comprisesa single section, and the ends of the single section, which issufliciently flexible to permit the plane to be twisted, can be raisedor lowered independently of one another by -(list0itiiig the upperplane. In this manner the same effect is produced as by the movements ofthe lane sections B and B relative to one anot or.

In Fig]. 7 is shown a modified form in which tie upper plane B ispivotally mounted u ion inverted V-sliaped supports 0, and in w icli theupper plane is ivotally movable along a line transverse of tlie plane.in this type the controlling bar 37 and the rods 38 are the same as inthe other forms.

In Fig. 8 is shown a further modified form in which two invertedV-shaped supports C and C are employed to carry the upper plane 13. Thelatter comprises a front portion B and a rear portion B. These arepivotally movable independently of one another and are controlled byaframe D connected b means of rods 1) and D with the sections and Brespectively, of the upper plane. By moving the frame Din one direction,the section B is tilted downward,

- and the section'B is simultaneously tilted upward, so that the effectis the same as if the entire frame were tilted. A movement of the frameB in an opposite direction reverses the inclinations of the -sections B'=-.Inthe'fo'rms oftlie' flying machine shown in FigbtQ and 10 1provides series of inverted V-shaped su ports 0 as in the form shown inFig. 7, an further inverted V-shaped supports C one of the members ofeach of the latter is substantially vertical. The supports C and C carryan upper plane B which is held substantially immovable with respect tothe lower )liLIlB A. A further movable upper section i3" is pivotallymounted at the apexcs of the supports C and is controlled by the bars 37of the rods 38. The two forms of the machine are quite similar, with theexception that in one case the movable plane section B is at the frontof the machine, while in the other case it is at the rear.

I wish to emphasize that the operation of my flying machine dependsalmost entirely upon the fore and aft inclination of the upper plane orplane sections, and that the latter are not tilted or inclined laterallyor transversely of the machine in any way. In steeringand balancing, therespective top planeseetions, or the respective ends of the single topplane, are tilted or inclined, or twisted relatively to one another sothat the lift and the head resistance at one end of the machine differfrom that of the other. By increasing the head resistance of the oneend, the machine is caused to turn in a corresponding direction. Byuniformly altering the inclination of the upper plane, the machine canbe caused to rise or fall. The following is an example of the manner inwhich the machine can be balanced: If for some cause or other themachine leans to the risht, the operator will move the right end of thecontrolling bar ahead, tluts tilting the right top plane section or end,and thereby increasing the fore and aft inclination of the same on theright side onl The lift will be increased on the right side and thus thebalance of the machine will be recovered but, at the same time theincreased head resistance of the right side will cause the machine toturn to the right, and the centrifugal force will cause the machine toskid or slide to the left. 'I he function of the concavity of the planestogether with the vertical vanes at the ends of the planes orintermediate the ends, is to assist in restoring the lateral ortransverse balance as has been stated above.

If it is desired to cause the machine to turn, say to the right, the topplane at the right is tilted to increase the-head resistance at thatside. This increase in the resistance and the lift will tend tooverbalance the machine so that the operator will lean his body" towardthe right side in making a turn" to the I The; steering and lateralbalancing oi the machine will be not unlike the steeringand-, balaneingof a bicycleor similar device, inasmuch as the operator leans toward.ithefdirection in winch t I I also' turns in the, same direct onln whichhe a turn is made, and

leans when he loses his balance. By tilting the top aeroplane backwardor forward the machine can be caused to descend or ascend, as well as tobe balanced in a fore and aft direction. The operator can lean his bodyforward or backward in case of necessity to assist in holding the foreand aft balance.

Having thus described. my invention, 1 claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent:

1. In a flying machine, a pluralit of planes, and means forsimultaneously ti ting and moving bodily, one of said planes withrespect to the other.

2. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, and PlVOlZOtlinks for corn meeting said planes whereby the same are movable relativeto one another, and whereby their relative inclinations can be varied.

3. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, links foroperatively connecting said planes whereby the same are movablerelatively to one another, and adjustable rods for controlling one ofsaid planes, whereby the same can be simultaneously tilted and movedbodily.

4. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, means foroperatively connecting said planes whereby the same are movablerelativel to one another, and means for controlling one of said planeswhereby the same can be simultaneously tilted and moved bodily.

5. In a flying machine, a plane arranged to swing in a fore and aftdirection, and means for simultaneously tilting and twisting said plane.

6. In a flying machine, a )lurality of superposed planes, one of saidplanes consisting of separated sections mova )le relatively to oneanother, and a link connection between each of said sections and saidother plane.

7. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, one of saidplanes comprismg independently movable sections, and means forsimultaneously tilting and moving bodily each of said sectionsindependently of the other.

8. In a flying machine, a pluralit of supe igposed planes, a linkconnection etween sai planes whereby the upper of said planes is adaptedto swing relativel to said lower plane ma fore and aft direction, andmeans or controlling said upper plane whereby the same can besimultaneously tilted and moved bodily.

9. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, linksconnecting said planes whereby the same are free to move relative to oneanother in a fore and aft direction, means for adjusting one of saidplanes relatively to the other, and means tendin to hold one of, saidplanes in a normal position relativetothe other of said planes.

.10. In a flying machine, a plurality ofsuill) perposed planes, one ofsaid planes being movable in a plurality of directions relative to theother, and means tending resiliently to hold said movable plane in anormal position.

11. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, means foroperatively connectin said planes whereby the same are movablerelatlvely to one another in a plurality of-dircetions, means tending tohold one of said planes in a normal position relative to the other ofsaid planes, and means for controlling one of said )lanes whereby thesame can be sinmltaneously tilted and moved bodily relatively to theother.

12. In a flying machine, a lower plane, an upper plane, links connectingsaid planes whereby said upper plane can be tilted and moved bodily withrespect to said lower plane, means tending to hold said upper plane in anormal )osition relative to said owcr plane, means for controlling saidupper plane, and vanes at angles with said planes.

13. In a flying machine, a plurality of sn- 1 perposed downwardlyconcave planes having vanes at the ends thereof, said vanes being atsubstantially right angles to said planes, links connecting said laueswhereby the same are movable relatively to one anotherin a fore and aftdirection, and adjustable bars for controlling one of said lanes wherebythe same can be simultaneous y tilted and moved bodily.

14. In a flying machine, a plurality of sucrposed, downwardly concaveplanes havmg vanes at the ends thereof, said vanes being atsubstantially right an les to said lanes, means connecting said p aneswherey the same are movable relatively to one another in a fore and aftdirection, and means for controlling one of said planes whereby the samecan be simultaneously tilted and moved bodily.

15. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes movablerelativel to one another in a fore and aft direction, and braced againstmovement transversely of one another.

16. In' a flying machine, a pluralit of superposed planes, linksconnecting sai planes whereby the same are movable relatively to oneanother in a fore and aft direction, and guys connecting said links andone of said planes whereby said links are held against movement in adirection transverse of the machine. a

17. In a flying machine, a plurality of supeaposed, comm planes havingvanes at the en s thereof and extending at angles to said pltliefli 2means for .10 eratively connecting 80.1 relatiii ely to one'another in afore and aft dircction, and are held against movement relative toonejanotherin a transverse direction,

means .fori-fnbrmally holding said please anes'whcreby he same aremovable normal positions relative to one another, and means foradjusting one of said planes whereby the same can be moved relatively tothe other.

18. In a flying machine, a plane comprising frame members, a coveringfor said frame members, and braces connecting said frame members, saidbraces being extensible.

19. In a flyin machine, a plane comprising frame menners, a coveringsupported upon said frame members, and braces counccting said framemembers and having re silient portions.

20. In a flying machine, a plane comprising longitudinal frame membersand transverse frame members, a covering supported upon said framemembers, and braces connecting said frame members and at anglestherewith, said braces each having a portion constituting a spring.

21. In a flying machine, an upper plane and a lower plane, means formovably connecting said planes, and a frame rigidly supported upon saidlower plane, said frame carrying vancs at angles with said planes.

'22. In a flying machine, on upper plane, a lower lane, means forconnecting said planes whereliy the same are relatively movable, a framemounted upon said lower plane and comprising a top frame member andpairs of struts supporting the same, said struts of each portion beingat an angle with each other, and vanes supported by said struts.

23. In a flyin machine an upper plane, a lower plane, links movablyconnecting said upper plane and said lower plane, means for resilientlyholding said planes in normal relative positions, a frame supported uponsaid lower plane and comprising a top frame member, and pairs of strutssupporting the same said struts of each pair being at an angle with eachother, and vanes supported by said struts.

24. In a flying machine, a pluralit of superposed planes, links foroperative y connectin said planes whereby the same are movab erelatively to one another, a manually adjustable member for controllinone of said planes whereby the same can be simultaneously tilted andmoved bodily, and a propeller for advancing the machine in the air.

25. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, means foroperatively connecting said planes whereby the same are movablerelatively to one another means for controllin one of said planeswiereby the same can e simultaneously tilted and moved bodily, and meansfor advancing the machine through the air.

26. In a flying machine, a plurality of superposed planes, one of saidplanes having spaced sections movable relatlvely to one another, a primemover-'movably supported upon one of said planes, and means 0 )erable bysaid prime mover for advancing t e machine through the air.

'27. In a flying machine, a plurality of supexzposed planes, a linkconnection between sai lanes whereby one of the same can be tilte andmoved bodily relatively to the other, means for supporting an operatorupon one of said planes, a frame, a prime mover supported upon saidframe, and a pro- 10 peller operable by said prime mover.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

MALCOLM GROVER ADAMS.

Witnesses:

IRA F. ADAMS, E. M. SWATSZEL.

